Breaking cycles of poor health by empowering young women
People often move from villages to big cities in search of a better life. But how many choose to return? Our co-founders, Saroj and Nikhit, did. They came back to rural Bihar, determined to work with communities that are too often forgotten. They saw a simple truth: health is the foundation of thriving communities. An unhealthy mother gives birth to a malnourished child. A hungry child cannot learn. An under-nourished adolescent cannot reach their potential. This vicious cycle persists, passed down through generations. Breaking that cycle is why ZealGrit was born. By focusing on young women’s health and knowledge, we aim to empower young women because when women thrive, families and communities thrive with them.
This is our journey. This is ZealGrit.
what we do
Adages exist for a reason– they signify wisdom learnt over generations. At ZealGrit, we keep one such learning close to our hearts: Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.
For us, this isn’t just a saying, it’s a way of working. We didn’t want to offer short-term help (say, donating a meal) and walk away. We wanted to stay, to share knowledge, and to walk alongside young women as they learned to take charge of their health. Because when a woman feels strong and informed, she not only transforms her own life, but also the lives of her children and community.
To make lasting change possible, we work where young women’s futures are being shaped every day, in schools and Anganwadi Centres across marginalised communities.
We don’t believe in one-time interventions. Our model is built on deep, consistent engagement: one-on-one conversations, group sessions, and repeated touchpoints that grow trust over time.
Learning with ZealGrit is active and hands-on. Through storytelling, demonstrations, and activities, we make health knowledge both practical and fun.
At the heart of it all is our belief that real change grows from within. With zeal (enthusiasm) and grit (determination), communities already hold the strength to transform their futures. Our role is simply to spark that transformation and walk alongside them as it unfolds.
Our impact
22
Institutions
1854
Young women
550
Sessions
95.8%
Mothers practiced exclusive breastfeeding
95%
Received antenatal check-up
10%
Reduced school absenteeism during menstruation
Our partners
